PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi made the announcement during the unveiling of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji in Sulebavi village.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The government of Karnataka will take up conservation and protection of the resting place of Shahaji Bhosle, father of Chhatrapati Shivaji, in Hodagere village of Davangere district, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi said on May 18.

During the unveiling of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji in Sulebavi village, he said that the premises around the grave will be developed and beautified, and the structure will be strengthened.

“We have released ₹5 crore for the purpose. Additional funds will be released,” he said.

He appreciated Laxmi Hebbalkar, Minister of Women and Child Development, Disabled and Senior-Citizens Empowerment, for installing a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji with her own funds.

Ms Hebbalkar said that she had no political motive behind installing the statue of Shivaji, or other great leaders, in the district. “Our only aim is to inspire the young generation,” she said. “May the personality of Chhatrapati Shivaji inspire our youth. May his valour and fearlessness help young men and women face challenges in life,” she said.

“We are also installing busts and statues of Kittur Channamma, Basavanna and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in various villages,” she said.

She urged the people not to fall prey to the designs of vested interests who try to divide society on caste and communal lines. “Some leaders come to play politics just six months before elections. They become invisible after the polls. But I am not one of them. I spend all my time in thinking about the constituency. I will keep working,” she said.

She said that the government of Karnataka is upgrading the Hindalga, Hire Bagewadi and Benakanahalli gram panchayats into town panchayats. This will lead to a flow of grants of around ₹15 crore per year, and change the face of these areas, she said.